Today’s speaker was Robyn Coquyt from Africa Classroom Connection.  In 2006, Rotarian Henry Bromelkamp returned from a trip to Eshowe, South Africa determined to have an impact on education for the children of that area.  Bromelkamp had observed that children in Eshowe were attending school outdoors, despite the heat and rain.  Nineteen years prior to Bromelkamp’s visit, the Eshowe Christian Action Group (ECAG) was formed by Eshowe Rotary members who also were committed to providing classrooms for these poverty stricken children.  Bromelkamp and others created Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) to partner with ECAG by providing outside funds and technical assistance to increase the number of classrooms that could be built.  ACC and ECAG developed a standard classroom plan that could be built rapidly and economically.  The partnership also developed a financial plan that required communities to provide a portion of the $12,000 construction cost up front to ensure that the classrooms would be well cared for.  The use of local materials and labor has a positive impact on the local economy.  This partnership has so far led to the construction of 119 classrooms serving over 37,000 children and over 100 communities have accumulated the funds necessary to be on the waiting list.  Grassroots participation and co-investment have helped make this partnership model sustainable.  Once the classroom is built it is turned over to the government which eliminates much of the ongoing cost of maintenance.  Click here to find more about the Africa Classroom Connection.
 
President Charlie Longbella reported that the Exchange is still trying to hire adequate personnel for us to return there for weekly meetings.  Meanwhile, we will be looking into other possibilities.
 
Check your email for important Rotary dates or, if you prefer, you can download them here
 
The Community Support Center’s Annual “Walk For Our Neighbors” fundraiser will be held on July 25th, from 10-2PM, at Silver View Park, Silver Lake Rd and County Rd I.  NBMV Rotary has donated and it’s hoped that many of us will show up to walk in support of our less fortunate neighbors.  Click here for more information.
 
CPY’s annual Golf Ball Drop will be held at Brightwood Hills Golf Course on August 8th at 3PM.  Get your tickets now from Geoff Hollimon or Edeth James.
 
Ed revealed the revised plan for a solar powered 4-Way Test sign at his alma mater in Nigeria. Rotarians interested in contributing toward the project can do so using our club’s Donorbox online portal.  Donations of any amount are appreciated.  (Indicate “4 way test sign” in the comments section)
 
The Gold Plate dinner for 2022 is slated for late April.  Stay tuned for more details.
 
The recipients of our three college scholarships at Irondale are: Griffin Bourassa, Jacqueline Peterson and Milena Yishak.
 
Thoughts and prayers are welcome as Nils and Peg make decisions about future care as her health worsens.
 
Edeth James received his Past-President’s Gavel Plaque from President Charlie Longbella.  See photo below.
 
July 20, 2021 (Tuesday Club Meeting – Mounds View Community Center) - Chris Belland with MN Historical Society.  His topic: Fort Snelling